Sandakan Memorial Park
A story of survival and remembrance

The Sandakan Memorial Park in Borneo holds a profound place in Australian military history.

This peaceful garden serves as a reminder of one of the most tragic events of World War II in the Pacific region. Located in the Malaysian state of Sabah, the memorial grounds mark the site of the former Sandakan prisoner of war camp.

Historical significance

During the Japanese occupation of Borneo, approximately 2,700 Australian and British prisoners of war were held at this location. The prisoners endured harsh conditions while being forced to construct a military airstrip. The camp operated from 1942 to 1945, becoming a dark chapter in WWII history.

The POWs, weakened by malnutrition and disease, worked tirelessly in extreme tropical conditions. By late 1944, Allied bombing had destroyed the airstrip, and the Japanese military began planning the movement of prisoners inland.

Wartime conditions in the camp

The documented conditions at Sandakan POW camp reveal a story of extreme hardship. The camp, originally built to hold 1,000 prisoners, eventually imprisoned more than 2,700 Australian and British POWs. The prisoners were housed in barracks while being forced to construct a military airstrip using basic hand tools.

By 1945, the prison population faced severe malnutrition as food rations were drastically reduced. Disease was widespread, with many prisoners suffering from malaria, dysentery, and tropical ulcers. The camp’s limited medical supplies made treatment nearly impossible for the POW medical officers.

The deteriorating conditions worsened after Allied bombing damaged the airstrip in late 1944. The Japanese captors reduced rations further, and physical abuse of prisoners increased. When the death marches began in January 1945, many prisoners were already too weak to survive the journey.

The Sandakan Death Marches

The Sandakan death marches represent one of the greatest tragedies in Australian military history. Between January and June 1945, the Japanese military forced approximately 1,000 Australian and British POWs on three separate marches through Borneo’s rugged terrain.

  1. The First March: In January 1945, 470 prisoners began the first march to Ranau. The POWs, already severely malnourished, trudged through dense jungle carrying heavy loads of ammunition and supplies for their captors. Those who could not continue were killed. Only 190 prisoners survived the initial journey to Ranau.
  2. The Second March: In May 1945, 536 prisoners began the second march. With monsoon rains creating treacherous conditions, the prisoners battled extreme exhaustion, tropical diseases, and brutal treatment. Fewer than 70 prisoners reached Ranau alive.
  3. The Final March: The third march in June 1945 involved the last remaining 75 prisoners at Sandakan. Aware of Allied advances, their captors forced these men on what would become a fatal journey. None of these prisoners survived.

Of the six Australians who survived the Sandakan death marches, all managed to escape into the jungle where local people provided them with food and shelter at great personal risk. Their testimonies later proved crucial in documenting these events.

Memorial features and monuments

  • Modern Gardens: The grounds contain beautifully maintained gardens with native plants, creating a respectful atmosphere for reflection.
  • Commemorative Pavilion: A central pavilion houses information about the camp’s history, including photographs and personal stories of the prisoners of war. Display cases contain wartime artifacts and maps detailing the march routes.
  • Memorial Walls: Stone walls display the names of those who lost their lives, ensuring their memory lives on for future generations. The walls list 2,434 Australian and British military personnel who died at Sandakan and during the death marches.
  • The Commemorative Pool: A reflection pool provides a peaceful space for contemplation, surrounded by plaques sharing survivors’ accounts of their experiences.

Preserving the memory

Annual commemoration services take place at the Sandakan Memorial Park, bringing together families of former POWs and military representatives. These ceremonies help maintain the connection between Australia and Malaysia while honouring the sacrifices made during WWII.

The site continues to play a vital role in historical research and education. Archaeological studies have uncovered numerous artifacts, providing insights into camp life and the prisoners’ experiences.

Practical information

  • Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Entry Fee: Free admission
  • Dress Code: Modest attire recommended (covered shoulders and knees)
  • Location: Mile 8, Labuk Road, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
  • Transport: 15-minute taxi ride from Sandakan town centre
  • Facilities: Information centre, restrooms, parking, wheelchair access
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat
  • Guided Tours: Available with advance booking Special Access: Group tours should be arranged in advance
  • Brochure: Sandakan memorial Park PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

The survivors – Keith Botterill, Nelson Short, William Moxham, Keith Costin, Colin Campbell and Owen Campbell – escaped during different stages of the death marches. All relied heavily on local villagers for survival. Most escaped when they were sent to collect water or wood, taking advantage of moments when guard supervision was lighter.

Yes, there were several other documented escape attempts, both from the camp and during the marches. However, the dense jungle, illness, and lack of local knowledge meant many escapees were either recaptured or died in the attempt.

Local villagers faced execution if caught helping prisoners. The Japanese military conducted regular sweeps of villages suspected of aiding escapees. Despite these risks, many families still chose to hide and feed escaped prisoners.

Yes, by 1945 there was an organised resistance movement in North Borneo. Local groups maintained contact with Allied forces through radio communications and helped gather intelligence about Japanese troop movements.

After the war, several local helpers received official recognition from the Australian and British governments. Their stories are now featured in the memorial’s documentation, and their descendants are often honoured guests at commemoration ceremonies.